Wednesday, July 26, 2006

My Claire Fisher Moment

This weekend, I went down to Maryland to say goodbye to my sisters and their families. While on the train back to Manhattan, I was sad and so I listened to this song on my iPod. It made me think of the finale to Six Feet Under, one of my favorite shows on HBO. I found the clip on YouTube and wanted to share this with all of my blog readers (Jill, I know you'll appreciate it).

I apologize in advance for the quality of this clip but I'm sure you'll get the gist.

For my Israeli readers who aren't familiar with the show: in a nutshell, the series ended with Claire moving to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming a photographer.

As for me, I'm moving to Tel Aviv to pursue my dream of being a writer.

And I can't wait to get on that open road!

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Suicide Bomber in Tel Aviv

I was anxious all Shabbos. Even the adorable antics of my 16 month old niece didn't really keep my mind from straying to thoughts of Israel. It should be no surprise that the war is on all of our minds. My brother-in-law said a special prayer for the safety of the Zahal and Israel right before Kiddush on Friday night, and the conversation at the dinner table consisted mainly of war strategy, US involvement and the fear of casualties of both Israeli soldiers and citizens. It was bittersweet when my sister brought out dessert. Wanting to make my last Shabbos here in Baltimore special, she baked a huge chocolate chip cake and decorated it with a blue icing Israeli flag (I'll upload a photo of the cake when I get back to Manhattan). It was unfortunate that her efforts didn't elicit the response that it would have gotten a few weeks ago. I am still really excited about my move but, at the same time, admittedly a little nervous. I appreciated that she went to the trouble to do something special for me, and the mood lightened a bit as we poured another round of godiva liquor to go with the dessert.

Meanwhile, right before Shabbat, I read online that the police in Tel Aviv apprehended a female suicide bomber on her way to complete her "mission". That was all the information I was able to glean before we had to light candles. Now that Shabbos is over, and I was able to hit all my websites for the updates I so desperately needed all Shabbos, I learned that the female suicide bomber was captured around the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv. Two blocks from my apartment. The apartment I will be moving into in less than 3 weeks.

Oy.

When I found the apartment I was so excited. It was almost too good to be true. The price was in my budget, and the location was right off of the beach and in an area that is always bustling and teeming with Israelis, tourists, youngster and people just looking to have fun. A friend called the area Israel's version of the new Lower East Side. As someone who used to live on the Lower East Side, and loves to hang out there during the week (the best live music venues by far), I felt like the neighborhood was a perfect fit for me.

And I still do. My attitude has been, and will forever be, as follows: If it's my time, it's my time and it doesn't matter where I will be or what I'll be doing.

I owe this attitude to my parents and Grandparents. My Grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, has never been afraid of anything in her entire life. When I was younger, and afraid of the dark, she told me that the only person I should ever fear is G-d. Nothing else in life matters. I stopped being afraid of the dark after we had that conversation and, to this day, absolutely love the world at night. After September 11th, when the national and local media started reporting that another attack in Manhattan was "immenent" and I started to fear taking the train to work, it was my Father who gave me the pep talk. He said in the event that something happens while I'm on the subway, I should just close my eyes, say the perek of Tehilim that I know by heart, and have faith that everything will work out okay. It really reassured me and I continued taking the New York City subways without fear.

But I realized something. I realized that I must not deprive myself of enjoying my life! I will not lock myself into my apartment until the war is over. I will not avoid exploring all the nooks and crannies hidden in the cobblestone streets of Israel. I will not be scared into a life of fear. I will do what I had intended on doing in Tel Aviv before the war broke out. I will walk the streets of Tel Aviv, shop in her malls, take boxing classes at her gyms, get my hair cut at the salons, seek out the indie music scene in her bars and concert halls, take in a movie in her theaters, buy fruits and vegetables in her farmer's markets, daven in her shuls, date the men living and thriving in Israel, take long walks on her beaches, and write the book I am moving to Israel to write.

I have three weeks to make sure that my heart and my mind are insync with my attitude. In the meantime, I'm just not going to tell my Mom where they apprehended the female suicide bomber.

Anyone in Israel weathering through this storm and reading my blog, please be safe! I look forward to joining the ranks soon!

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

If Anderson Cooper showed up in your Bomb Shelter....


360
Originally uploaded by holylandhipster.
What would you do?

Anderson Cooper and I go way back. I fell for his salt and pepper mane and piercing blue eyes long before he became a media darling and right after he hosted the short lived ABC show, The Mole. At one point in my life, I honestly believed that Anderson was a member of Mossad (hey, a girl can fantasize).

Nevertheless, I'm a big fan of Anderson Cooper. Not just because his mother is Gloria Vanderbilt but because we attended the same Scissor Sisters show in Manhattan (and Anderson sure can boogie!).

With Anderson Cooper 360 about to start, (of course I've been glued to CNN ever since I got back from my weekend away at the beach), I'm looking forward to hearing how he plans to report from the Middle East. I remember watching him last year as he cried (broke down SOBBING!) while reporting from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and I know that if there is a story that will tug on the heartstrings (and win him a Pulitzer) of viewers worldwide, Anderson will be the one to bring it to us.

Apparently, Anderson spent his morning in Haifa, and was there when the rockets started to unleash hell on Israel. I also wonder if the producers were worried about Anderson's glorious mug and moved him to Cyprus this evening not just to cover the Lebanon refugees, but to ensure that his million dollar mug is safe.

Larry King is wrapping up so I'm gonna go watch Anderson. Song of the evening, in honor of his favorite band, is Filthy/Gorgeous by the Scissor Sisters.

Be Safe!

OFFICIAL COUNT UNTIL I'M IN TEL AVIV: 30 DAYS!!

Friday, July 14, 2006

Y Tu Natalie Portman Tambien


Gael Garcia Bernal
Originally uploaded by holylandhipster.
In light of the recent situation in Israel, I felt it necessary to lighten things up a bit on my blog. That, and the fact that I am awake again (this time, it's because of a client who had an interview on Arizona radio that I had to coordinate).

Since I've spent the past 19 hours surfing the net, watching CNN and Fox News Channel, and reading blogs about Israel, it was inevitable that I would stumble upon this article about Natalie Portman on Ynetnews. At the end of the brief entertainment article though, I was pretty confused. The reason it was confusing to me is because of both the headline and the subhead:

Help find Natalie a nice Jewish man!
Young Miss Portman wishes to teach her future children a lesson in Judaism, but is meanwhile unable to find a Jewish hubby.

But then the body of the article didn't mention that she was particularly searching for a Jewish husband. Rather, the only indication that there even was an issue with her dating non-Jewish men came from a quote attributed to her Father, who apparently cojoles her non-Jewish beaus regarding a "simple operation" that would morph them into yids. And apparently, it annoys Natalie when he Dad "goes there".

Well, let's be serious for a second, if I dated non Chatichs (my new Hebrew word of the day), I too would make a beeline for Gael Garcia Bernal.

Reference: Y Tu Mama Tambien, Amorres Perros, Bad Education and Motorcycle Diaries are all great films featuring this Mexican actor/heartthrob.

Song of the day: Rompe by Daddy Yankee. Enjoy this sizzling Spanish summer song.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Everyone Says I'm Paranoid


Gas Mask
Originally uploaded by holylandhipster.
This morning, after reading the horrific news that three more Israeli soldiers were killed and another two were kidnapped, I had an interesting conversation with my Mom. Since I'm still not sleeping, I didn't get around to calling her until Noon. While on the phone, I filled her in on what was going on in Israel (when Mom's in the office, she pretty much is the only person in American who doesn't surf the net and actually does her work!). During the conversation, Mom asked if I was scared about the move considering the current climate (i.e. it appears that Israel is on the brink of war). Since I basically sold or gave away everything I own, I said there was no way I was backing out now. I joked and mentioned that I still had my emergency kit from my previous job. After September 11th, my old employer gave out these great emergency kits that I actually kept. I definitely plan on bringing it with me to Israel, but I don't really know how effective it will be.

Nevertheless, that's when Mom mentioned that I should look into purchasing a gas mask. I was pretty surprised at the suggestion but, since I was online, I did a google search to see how one goes about purchasing a gas mask. Apparently, it's pretty easy to get an Israeli gas mask here in the States. Of course, it will cost me plenty of Benjamins. When I mentioned the cost (more than $200), my Mom quickly offered to pay for it.

I told her I'd think about it and we quickly changed the topic. Here I was thinking that perhaps I should enroll in a Magen David Adom course on first aid, but Mom's thought are clearly occupied with other things.

Bottom line: I'm just not going to think about it. When I get to Israel, that's when I'll deal with it. A lot could change in 5 weeks time (yes, 5 weeks from TONIGHT I'll be on a plane bound for the Holy Land! Woohoo!!)

Song of the night Everyone Says I'm Paranoid by British rock group Apartment.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Here Comes the Story of the Hurricane


Shevlin Boxing
Originally uploaded by holylandhipster.
Apparently, I'm stressed. I don't know why this should come as a surprise to anyone I know. With the move to Israel less than a month away, and the fact that I have to be out of my apartment in less than 2 weeks, time is ticking and there is lots to do. But according to my friend Ari, I "haven't been my usual fun self" these days and that is a concern to me. After hearing that he's afraid to call me for fear that I will bite his head off, I've decided to do something about this excess stress.

So tonight, before Jules and I go out to hear Levy down at Cake Shop (more about the show and Levy in tomorrow's blog) I decided to dust off my boxing gloves and sign up for the 7:45 pm class at the NYSC. For 45 minutes, I'll be doing push ups, jumping rope, punching Everlast bags and sparring one-on-one with the instructor. It's an amazing release and now I wonder why I haven't been going these past couple of years. I'm going to have to find a boxing class in Tel Aviv because I'm bringing my Everlast gloves and wraps with me!

A few years back, I was an avid recreational boxer. It all started when I represented the agent for Shannon Briggs right around the Briggs vs. Lennox Lewis bout in Las Vegas (Shannon went down early in the fight). After working a couple more fights, including three Mike Tyson bouts (yup, I worked the infamous Tyson/Holyfield fight when Tyson took a big bite out of Holyfield's ear) and a couple with Oscar De La Hoya, I decided to try boxing for myself.

Since Gold's gym was in Brooklyn and I wasn't interested in actually getting in the ring with anyone (I really like my nose), I saw that my gym offered non-contact boxing. Every Wednesday night, Craig and Tony would lead our group through drills that would leave me thoroughly exhausted.

Craigs was a bit of a metal/alternative rock fanatic and we'd always end the class with a 15 minute boxing routine to Dragula by Rob Zombie.

And that's the song of the day.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Hassids on Patrol


New York Post
Originally uploaded by holylandhipster.
You gotta love the headline editors at The New York Post, they are absolutely brilliant at selling newspapers. Somehow, I don't think The Jerusalem Post headline editors have really tapped into this level of shameless, blatant, sensationalism.

Wouldnt YOU plunk down .25 cents (hey, that's laundry money you already covet) to read about Yoelie, the SuperJew Hassid who aspires to fight drugs and patrol the neighborhood to help keep Gotham citizens safe? Sign me up baby!

For all you Holy Land dwellers, read all about the Hassid on patrol here New York Post

Friday, July 07, 2006

Blue Blood


Stevan Reilly
Originally uploaded by holylandhipster.
Last night, I got together with a friend, colleague and Brit music enthusiast from the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. While working the TFF, we were both "Jury Liasions" which is just a fancy term for the fact that we were in charge of specific juries during the festival. We both had great experiences this year, and spent hours over pints laughing at some of the funnier moments. I was responsible for the International Documentary Film jurors, which consisted of Ken Burns, Oren Jacoby, Mark Levin, Rory Kennedy, Robert Drew and Whoopi Goldberg. D, on the other hand, had the A-list group of jurors including Ed Burns, Josh Lucas, Kelly Lynch and a couple more. We were fortunate enough to meet some incredible people: acclaimed actors, brilliant businessmen, talented musicians, starving artists and aspiring filmmakers. But there was ONE filmmaker in particular who really made an impression with both of us, and it wasn't just because he's a Brit.

Meet Stevan Reilly, Director of Blue Blood, a boxing film that was screened and eligible for the prize given out by my jurors. According to Jason Sanders on the official Tribeca Film Festival website:

Boxing films are hit with a fierce uppercut in this clever, genre-tweaking documentary about the training regimen and sparring contests of Oxford University students who step out of the ivory tower and into the boxing ring to settle matters with their Cambridge rivals. In underlining the freedom to not care about failing, or about what other people think, Blue Blood paints a winning portrait of the spirit of the underdog.

As much as I'd like to wax poetic about Stevan, the purpose of this blog is to talk about the music in the film, which was composed by Israeli musician Itamar Ziegler. I watched the film with Ken Burns and was absolutely blown away by the music. From the opening credits, which was composed by Itamar, and to the music selection embedded within the film, it was all amazing. Personally, I felt that the music MADE the film, and Itamar's contribution was really essential to the film.

Israeli's familiar with the local rock scene should recognize Itamar's work, as he has also performed with Balkan Beat Box throughout the world and his 2002 self titled album met with critical acclaim. His follow up album entitled "The Birds, The Sky, The Trees..all That Shit" is amazing. He's currently living with his extremely talented wife (fabulous artist) in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn, and working on composing music. I'm hoping that more people like Stevan Reilly will turn to him to score their films, as he has true talent.

To check out Itamar's work, visit Itamar Ziegler.

Song of the day is the Untitled Track off of "The Birds, The Sky, The Trees...all That Shit".

Shabbat Shalom!

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

The Two Yoni's


Yonatan Netanyahu
Originally uploaded by holylandhipster.
As the rockets red glare in Gotham City tonight, I watched the skies over lower Manhattan illuminate with light and thought about Israel. Granted, with the move less than 6 weeks away, Israel has been foremost on my mind. Perhaps it's the knowledge that July 4th means so much to me, as an American and as an Israeli.

Thirty years ago, Yonatan Netanyahu led a rescue mission to save Jewish Israelis who were highjacked and being held in Entebbe. I grew up watching "Operation Thunderbolt" at every single summer camp I attended, and I have been armed with the knowledge that my parents wanted to name me after the killed hero. Only when I was born a girl did my parents abandon naming me "Yonatan" and settled on another Israeli favorite, "Shira".

But the subject of my blog this evening is not about my origins, or about Yonatan Netanyahu and the raid on Entebbe, but rather about an amazing tattoo artist who really WAS named after the late, legendary, war hero.

Yonatan Zilber was born on July 4, 1976 in Israel. His parents decided to name him Yonatan, in honor of Yonatan Netanyahu, and because of his name and fortuitous time of birth, the Hebrew newspapers throughout Israel wrote about the event. Growing up, Yoni Zilber conversed with the Netanyahu family and even met the former Prime Minister a number of times. When Yoni and I met a few weeks ago, he showed me the original article from the Israeli newspapers and the letter than "Bibi" wrote to him (and his family) when he was born. It really resonated with me.

Yoni Zilber is an incredible tattoo artist who works, primarily, at New York City's "NY Adorn" tattoo parlor. He is an extremely talented artist, a kind person, and a gentle soul. To check out his portfolio, visit Yoni Z Tattoo

Song of the evening: Whitney Houston's version of The Star Spangled Banner. It's chilling!